How I Got Through Four Days of Stomach Ulcer Symptoms

My year has been extremely stressful, and my diet hasn't always been up to par. Off and on since July 2008, I've suffered from what feels like stomach ulcers. Having no health insurance, I'm reluctant to go to the hospital or doctor unless it's a life or death emergency.

Usually, when my stomach started getting that telltale burning and gnawing feeling so commonly known as an ulcer symptom, I would be able to relieve the pain by vomiting. It also was quite evident that I was too stressed out and eating too many spicy and acidic foods (some of my favorites include spicy fried chicken, tomatoes, and Mr. Pibb - not good for any diet, let alone an ulcer diet.)

When I got the ulcer symptoms again one weekend, I expected them to go away. But they kept getting worse, to the point where I could not even stand up straight. Vomiting eventually made it worse, because the juices were clearly burning an even more painful path through my stomach.

So I started doing research. Now I can tell you what did and did not work in my case.

Milk and ice cream ultimately did not work. It would temporarily soothe my ulcer symptoms, but then backfire on me with a vengeance. I found out that milk and ice cream products do cause temporary stomach relief, but then cause the stomach to produce more acid. Producing more acid is not good when you have an ulcer, or the symptoms of one.

Cabbage soup did work wonders. It's probably not coincidence that when I started eating cabbage soup, I was able to keep my stomach reasonably calm and I was able to hold food down. Cabbage, cabbage soup, and cabbage juice are among the oldest natural remedies for ulcer symptoms. Studies show that ulcer patients who take cabbage remedies heal faster and in less pain than those who don't. I wish I had found this out the first day I started holding my stomach in pain!

I also did rely some on antacids, like chewable Tums and Maalox liquid, but there are a lot more risks involved with these than drinking cabbage soup or juice. Constipation is a major risk factor, and sometimes there is a rebound effect on stomach acid production. They are also expensive, but in a pinch I'd still use them but in moderation.

The bottom line is, eating less meat and milk, and more cabbage is important when suffering from ulcer symptoms. If the pain continues, definitely go see a doctor.